Defence isn't too shabby after all...

[SainterK]

We all thought this would be our downfall this year, but it's going along OK.

Only conceded 7 goals v the Suns, 5 tonight v the Dogs.

Simpkin did great as well, and looks really solid back there. I'm not going to start a 'who needs Zac' vibe because I feel like the defence has been completely reprogrammed and not playing anything like the last few years.

Seems like Scott is really getting the defenders to back themselves, and I feel like the balance between defence and attack is starting back as far our defensive 50?

More marking, more playing on, more rebound?

Tom will find himself quite famous this week after Brian had a brain fade....

http://www.afl.com.au/Video/tabid/76/co ... fault.aspx

[gringo]

They are doing well but we haven't had any monster forwards to contend with yet. The height of Port stretched them a bit and with Gilberts back you worry against the talls at Freo. Gilbert on Pavlich sounds like a great match up hope he comes up.

Sean Dempster was left to run around cleaning up tonight and they were given no really hard pressure after the first quarter. Stanley back and Wilkes in the forward role?

[Moods]

Heard that Gilbo said in the rooms he will be definitely OK to go next week. They took him off more as a pre-caution. Some nerve problem affecting his hammies.

Thought the defence was magnificent tonight. Combined superbly and backed each other up. We aren't a top 4 team, but we will be pushing many of those teams if we keep going like this.

[SainterK]

Well interestingly Moods, he seems to be continuing with the shift into the midfield until subbed off...not sure where he'll play next week, but on Pavlich would be quite the move I reckon so he can shadow him wherever he goes.

[SaintPav]

I though Geary was great..he looks to have stepped up quite a bit.

[BigMart]

Backline was superb...... But the last two fwd lines they have played were pathetic...

I think niether contained a single player who averages better than 1 goal per game...... Foots ray Fwds were embarrassing..

[AnythingsPossibleSaints]

True, BigMart.
Best ever games by Geary and Simpkin, though and a fantastic game from Dempster as well. It was one of the most dominant defensive efforts you'd ever want to see by our back 6.

[bergholt]

Stanley back and Wilkes in the forward role?

stanley's looking ok up forward and in the ruck, and the defence as a whole is looking ok. why would we f*** around with either?

i really like the look of simpkin, even playing against much taller guys tonight he was rarely if ever beaten one-on-one. i f***** love his attitude - the lake thing happened because tom kept going at him even after the ball was dead.

[Griggsy]

The real test will come when we play a team that can pile a whole lot of points on quickly like Carlton. Wouldn't read too much into the dogs game as their field kicking was way below AFL standard. Not saying it wasnt a great game, on the ball pressure was 09 like.

And just remembered Gwilt will be coming back , will be a huge boost for rebounding out of 50.

[dragit]

Backline was superb...... But the last two fwd lines they have played were pathetic...

I think niether contained a single player who averages better than 1 goal per game...... Foots ray Fwds were embarrassing..

+ 1
I don't think we have learnt anything yet and won't until we meet a couple of top 4 sides.
I'll enjoy watching us demolish sides in the meantime

[Wrote for Luck]

I think we have learnt a bit! it was more a case of us making bulldogs look bad rather than them making us look good.
Best I've seen Geary play tonight - looked a star in parts.
To quote Watters, Simpkin is 'a hard kid' 'he's hard'. Seemed almost humoured by Lakes antics. Go the Gong!

[matrix]

yeah good call...for now

lets wait til we play a side witha decent forward line

and guys

if youre going to kick across goal on our back 50 you MUST hit the target

cant wait for jimmy to get back

[saintspremiers]

The pressure and hunger has returned.

And so has Lenny.

That is all.

[jays]

wait to we play better side

[Junction Oval]

The Dogs were without a big forward last night, but I'll take a good performance any day - take it while we can!

We will be troubled in the backline when we have to take on big power forwards. Simkin is playing well for such a light frame - a very cool head.

Next week will be a good test

[SainterK]

I'm not so sure if a tall forward line will trouble?

They are playing in front of their men, seem to have a lot more licence, and the complete opposite to what I'm used to in recent years?

Where as before the emphasis was on killing the contest, to the point where didn't they get scolded if they didn't play the percentages and tried to mark and failed?

Also, I don't know who to credit it to, but the backline are playing for each other, again. In recent years, it always seems the case even with changes in personnel, that there is this solid together vibe about them.

Blake, Fisher....someone must be the glue that always manages to hold it together and have them work so well as a team?

Tell you what though, the backline is playing completely different, and may take Rossy by surprise next week. Will we see Simpkin playing in more of a Lake like fashion again? Dempster running off Ballantyne?

Interesting times.

[BelfastSaint]

http://www.dream-stats.com/stats/ladder

Fifth on the ladder and best defence in the league ....
A long way to go I know but for now I will just enjoy the moment ...